Key result
Respiratory muscle training increased respiratory muscle strength in 5 studies and endurance in 2 studies among 108 para-athletes, but should not be the primary method to boost exercise performance.
Why the study?
Does respiratory muscle training improve respiratory functions and exercise performance in para-athletes?
Systematic Review (n=108)
Does respiratory muscle training improve respiratory functions and exercise performance in para-athletes?
Respiratory muscle training can enhance respiratory muscle strength and endurance in para-athletes, but should not be considered the primary method for boosting exercise performance.
Respiratory muscle training may aid strength in para-athletes; reinforces prioritizing sport-specific methods over isolated respiratory work for performance.
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) is considered an effective tool to improve cardiorespiratory limitations in athletes. The goals of this systematic review were to explore the role of RMT and its implementation within sport rehabilitation programs in para-athletes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Several databases were searched until January 2024. Eligible studies were independently reviewed by 2 reviewers. Quality assessment was made using the PEDro scale and version 2 of the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials. Eight studies (a total of 108 participants) were selected for the analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Five studies preferred using resistive loading, while 2 studies used normocapnic hyperpnea, and 1 study used threshold inspiratory muscle training. Respiratory functions (respiratory muscle strength and endurance, spirometry measures) and exercise performance were assessed as the main outcomes. Significant increases in respiratory muscle strength were reported in 5 studies. Two studies observed improvement in respiratory muscle endurance and 3 studies reported increased exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that although RMT can enhance respiratory muscle strength and endurance, it should not be considered the primary method for boosting the exercise performance of para-athletes. Additional research is necessary to explore the impact of various RMT techniques on different outcomes from the perspective of sport rehabilitation in para-athletes.
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Akıncı et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review in para-athletes (n=108). Respiratory muscle training (RMT) was evaluated on Respiratory functions (respiratory muscle strength and endurance, spirometry measures) and exercise performance. Respiratory muscle training increased respiratory muscle strength in 5 studies and endurance in 2 studies among 108 para-athletes, but should not be the primary method to boost exercise performance.
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